Police have recovered 48 rounds of AK-47 ammunition that were allegedly concealed inside pieces of meat on a passenger bus in Kanyonyoo, Kitui County.

The ammunition was recovered during a routine security operation along the Thika –  Garissa Highway, where a multi-agency security team intercepted a Zafanana Coach operated by Northern Cruz Sacco.

The bus was travelling from Dadaab to Nairobi when officers conducted a search of the vehicle.

During the operation, officers searched the overhead luggage rack serving seats 23, 24 and 25 and discovered a blue woven carrier bag.

Inside the bag was a consignment of meat, which raised suspicion during the search.

Officers then discovered a black nylon package concealed inside the pieces of meat containing 48 rounds of 7.62×39mm ammunition, commonly used in AK-47 rifles.

The bus driver, Samuel Ngui Munyithya, and turnboy Justus Muatha Kiola, were arrested after they were unable to account for the consignment or identify its owner.

The two were taken to Kanyonyoo Police Station, where they remain in custody as investigations continue to establish the source and intended destination of the ammunition.

The bus has also been detained, while the recovered ammunition has been secured as an exhibit.